— Punjab and KP request troops’ deployment as leaderless supporters of Khan march on Islamabad to protest arrest
LAHORE: After the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan deepened political turmoil and sparked violent demonstrations across the country, the interim governments in Punjab, Federal Capital and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have called in the military to “restore law and order.”
According to an order released by the ministry, the details of the deployment will be decided by the province, and the troops will discharge their duties as per the Constitution.
“The date of de-requisitioning of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among stakeholders,” the order sanctioning the deployment in Punjab said.
The communiqué said the “army would be working alongside district administration to restore law, order and peace.”
“Pursuant to the request made by the Home Department […] of Punjab […] dated May 9, 2023, the federal government […] is pleased to authorise the deployment of Pakistan Army troops [and] assets for maintaining law and order situations across Punjab in aid of civil power,” it read.
Following the deployment in Punjab, the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also called for troops to quell intensifying protests.
In a notification, the interim administration said that “in view of prevailing law and order circumstances”, it was calling on the armed forces “in aid of civil power” as “per the Constitution.”
The development came as supporters of Khan marched to Islamabad where the former prime minister is in custody, raising fears of more clashes with security forces.
Interestingly, barely a month earlier, the military had informed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that it will be unavailable for election-related duties due to the prevalent security situation within the country and on the borders.
“If the army is available to act in aid of civil power to maintain law and order in Punjab; why isn’t it available to maintain law and order to conduct elections in Punjab,” questioned Abdul Moiz Jafferii, a lawyer.
If the army is available to act in aid of civil power to maintain law and order in Punjab; why isn’t it available to maintain law and order to conduct elections in Punjab? pic.twitter.com/8PVIGZPGC0
— Abdul Moiz Jaferii (@Jaferii) May 10, 2023
“They [defence secretary and additional secretary] said the army attaches importance to its basic duties, in which the security of the borders and the country is its first priority. They said that the army is not available for election duty at this time due to the present situation in the country,” the commission informed the Supreme Court.
The officials said the current economic situation of the country was also affecting the military.
